Pellet stoves and inserts are an increasingly popular fireplace option because of their ease of operation, energy efficiency, and low maintenance. However, many people who own these heating appliances may be incorrectly cleaning them.
Keeping your pellet stove or insert properly cleaned is an important factor in maintaining efficiency and safety standards for your unit. Below are some of the ways you can make sure your pellet stove or insert is being properly cleaned.
Annual maintenance
There are several annual maintenance items that should be completed at least once per year to keep your pellet stove or insert working its best. First, the venting should be taken apart and cleaned. This removes any soot, ash, or debris that has become trapped in the venting and allows the byproducts of combustion to freely vent to the outside. Likewise, the combustion fan should also be removed and cleaned.
While these maintenance items are important, we do not recommend that the average homeowner do it themselves. Many well-meaning people have permanently damaged their pellet stove or insert while attempting to take apart or put back together the venting, combustion fan, or other moving parts. Instead, trust the experts at The Cozy Flame to safely and correctly clean and service your heating appliance.
Weekly cleaning
First, shut off the stove and allow it to cool completely before attempting to clean it. Open the stove and begin by brushing off the glass; the idea is not to leave it sparkling, but rather to remove the majority of the soot and ash. Next, begin to clean inside the stove. Working from the top down, start by using the scraper to get the ash off of the combustion tubes. It is extremely important the combustion tubes remain clean as this is where the heat is generated.
Both the burn pot and burn pot liner can be easily removed and dumped into the bucket. Likewise, the fine bristle brush should be used to clean the walls of the stove as well as any nooks, crannies, or corners. The vacuum is an extremely helpful tool at containing soot as your clean. It is also recommended that you clean out your auger and hopper every couple of cycles. Pellets left in the stove can break down, leaving a fine dust that can affect the auger drive.
If you have questions about how to clean your pellet stove or insert or want more information about adding one of these heating appliances to your home, contact the experts at The Cozy Flame today!